Fix Tooth Pain & Toothache
Everyone experiences occasional tooth sensitivity and it usually goes away on its own but if you have persistent dull, throbbing aches or sharp pains, you may be suffering from an infected tooth. Other forms of tooth pain are: pain when eating, swelling or redness, a bad taste or bad breath. There are a number of reasons that you may have a toothache so it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible for an x-ray and exam so your dentist can determine the quickest way to get you out of pain and back to your normal lifestyle.
Periodontal Disease
Poor oral hygiene is not the only reason the patient may suffer from gum disease. Our periodontal health is dependent upon a number of factors including genetics, medications, and tobacco use. Periodontal disease can lead to sensitivity along the gumline and discomfort when brushing and flossing. Left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to jaw bone deterioration and even tooth loss.
Periodontal disease can be treated with a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, at your dental office. During a scaling and root planing, a local anesthetic is administered so that your hygienist can reach below the gum line to clear out infection and plaque buildup. Once your gums have healed, it is important to work with your dental office to maintain optimal periodontal health with more frequent visits than the standard twice a year.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay begins when the plaque and tartar buildup begin to erode tooth enamel and create a cavity in your tooth. It is possible to have tooth decay without pain but even so, it is important to receive restorative treatment to prevent the decay from growing and causing further damage.
Tooth Abscess
Any event that you fracture or break a tooth, it is important to receive treatment as quickly as possible to avoid developing an abscess. An abscess occurs when bacteria is able to enter the inside of the tooth, creating an infection in the pulp, and eventually killing the pulp of the tooth and developing a pocket of pus under the gum. Your dentist can treat an abscess with antibiotics and by draining the area.
Bruxism (Clenching & Grinding)
Many patients clinch and/or grind their teeth in their sleep without even realizing it! Bruxism can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum recession, chipped teeth, and discomfort in the jaw. Your dentist may suggest you start wearing a night guard which will act as a buffer between your teeth and help prevent damage. Stress can be a big factor that causes patients to grind their teeth in which case the patient may benefit from individual counseling to learn how to deal with their stress.
Tooth Fracture
Breaking a tooth does not mean that you will lose the tooth but it is essential that you visit your dentist as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and prevent infection. Your dentist will place either a filling or a crown to save the tooth.
Damaged Dental Restorations
Overtime, dental restorations can become worn and chip or crack or even fall out. It is even possible to develop decay under a restoration so your dentist will want to remove the damaged restoration, remove the decay, and place a new restoration.